Patricia and Rodney Worman, of Whitehall, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Aug. 1.

They were married in 1953 by the Rev. Dr. Hagen Staack in Egner Chapel, Muhlenberg College, Allentown.

Patricia is the daughter of the late Harry and Blanche Mellinger, formerly of Allentown.

Rodney is the son of the late Ray and Elva Worman, who had resided in Whitehall.

They have a daughter, Carol, wife of the Rev. Craig Kerewich, of Cape May Court House, N.J.

They have one grandson, two great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

A surprise anniversary celebration was held at the Allentown KOA Journey campground, New Tripoli.

Close relatives in attendance included their daughter and son-in-law; grandson, Adam Kerewich, and his wife, Emily, of Wilmington, Del.; great-grandchildren Aaron, Leo and Eva; and cousins, Frances Worman, a 1953 wedding attendee, of Whitehall, and Lee Herb, Coplay.

The couple’s son-in-law officiated at the renewal service, which began with scripture readings and acknowledgment of the pure, innocent love, represented by a single white rose, that brought the young airman on leave from Germany and his fiancée together in holy matrimony.

Each family member added to Patricia’s bouquet a flower, representing some of the attributes necessary to grow and sustain a loving relationship for 70 years.

A yellow sunflower represented joy; red roses for passion; purple blooms for respect and tradition; and others symbolizing faith, family, happiness, courage, patience, devotion and everlasting love.

The couple tearfully repeated, “I loved you then. I love you now. I’ll love you forever.”

The service concluded with prayer, a blessing of the couple’s joined hands and a kiss.